On this episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, host Rick Bontkowski welcomes Katy Grainger, a sepsis survivor whose life changed forever in the span of just a few days. What began as a small cut on her thumb quickly escalated into septic shock, organ failure, and a medically induced coma. When Katy awoke, she faced the unimaginable reality of losing both legs below the knee and the tips of nearly all her fingers. Her journey, however, is not defined by loss, but by the strength and purpose she disc...
Aug 15, 2025•52 min•Ep. 67
What does it take to return to one of the most physically demanding jobs on earth, after losing your leg ? In this unforgettable episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast , host Rick Bontkowski sits down with Michael Laughlin , Canada’s first amputee firefighter, whose story is as courageous as the job he’s reclaimed. After a devastating motorcycle accident resulted in the loss of his leg, Michael faced a question few could answer: Could he ever return to the firehouse? With grit, heart, and relentless...
Jul 30, 2025•48 min•Ep. 66
In this powerful episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast , host Rick Bontkowski sits down with Parker Byrd, a standout athlete, college baseball player, and the first NCAA Division I player to compete with a prosthetic leg. After a life-altering boating accident took his leg, Parker defied every odd and returned to the field with more grit and heart than ever before. His story isn’t just about sports, it’s about identity, resilience, and the unshakable belief that your purpose doesn’t disappear when ...
Jul 15, 2025•52 min•Ep. 65
What does it take to stare down adversity and keep climbing, literally? In this episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, host and creator Rick Bontkowski sits down with Tom Jalinski, a bilateral below-the-knee amputee who refused to let limb loss define his limits. Tom takes us deep into the mental and physical grind of becoming an endurance hiker post-amputation, detailing the trails he's conquered, the pain he’s endured, and the mindset that keeps him moving forward. From rocky paths to life’s roug...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 64
What happens when determination outweighs despair? In this powerful episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, host Rick Bontkowski sits down with Mark Ksobiech, an amputee who lost over 250 pounds and reclaimed his life in the face of overwhelming challenges. Mark opens up about the emotional and physical transformation that reshaped his identity, his health, and his purpose. This isn’t just a story about weight loss—it’s about rediscovering hope, confronting addiction, and choosing to fight for the l...
Jun 15, 2025•48 min•Ep. 63
Part 2 of this special live series brings you straight to the heart of the 2025 Limb Preservation Foundation Symposium , where leaders in medicine, technology, advocacy, and lived experience come together to reshape the future of limb care. Hosted and created by Rick Bontkowski , The AMP’D UP211 Podcast continues its mission to amplify voices from the limb loss and limb difference community, this time from the main stage in Denver. In this episode, four remarkable guests join us to share their p...
May 30, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 62
Recorded live at the 2025 Limb Preservation Foundation Symposium in Golden Colorado, this is Part 1 of a powerful two-part AMP’D UP211 series that captures the energy, advocacy, and innovation driving the future of limb loss and limb preservation. Hosted by amputee and podcast creator Rick Bontkowski, this special episode puts you in the room with three trailblazers who are each reshaping the way we think about mobility, identity, and resilience: Cam Ayala – After gaining national attention on T...
May 15, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 61
What does it take to change a life with the gift of mobility? In this inspiring episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, host Rick Bontkowski, a right below-knee amputee, and passionate advocate, sits down with Randy Titony, Executive Director of the Limbs for Life Foundation. Randy shares the powerful story behind Limbs for Life’s mission to provide prosthetic limbs to individuals who otherwise couldn’t afford them. From heartfelt success stories to the behind-the-scenes realities of running a natio...
Apr 30, 2025•52 min•Ep. 60
Meet Jason Barnes, the drummer who defied the odds after losing his arm in an accident. He didn’t just return to drumming… he revolutionized it. With the help of cutting-edge robotics and pure grit, Jason now plays with a bionic arm and is pushing the boundaries of human potential. In honor of Limb Loss Awareness Month, this episode isn’t just about music; it’s about resilience, reinvention, and the power of passion when the world says, "You can’t." Hosted by Rick Bontkowski, a right below-the-k...
Apr 15, 2025•58 min•Ep. 59
What happens when life throws you a challenge that changes everything? For Travis Sanders, losing his leg wasn’t the end but the beginning of a powerful new chapter. In this episode of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast , Travis shares his resilience journey, from learning to navigate life as an amputee to thriving as a master barber, business owner, and mentor. Travis opens up about the struggles of stepping back into a profession where skill and appearance mean everything, how he adapted to life behind t...
Mar 30, 2025•43 min•Ep. 58
On this episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast , host Rick Bontkowski , a right below-the-knee (RBK) amputee, sits down with the unstoppable Woody Roseland . From surviving cancer six times to turning pain into punchlines, Woody has redefined resilience with humor, hustle, and an unbreakable spirit. How did he go from battling cancer to commanding stages as a motivational speaker and comedian? What lessons has he learned about grit, growth, and finding purpose in the unexpected? And how does he keep...
Mar 15, 2025•53 min•Ep. 57
What does it take to turn unimaginable adversity into an extraordinary life of purpose? In this compelling episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast , host and creator Rick Bontkowski, a passionate advocate and amputee himself, dives deep into the incredible journey of William Pike. From surviving the catastrophic Mount Ruapehu eruption to losing his right leg, William's resilience and adventurous spirit have made him a global inspiration. He shares his story of creating the William Pike Challenge, a t...
Nov 30, 2024•59 min•Ep. 56
In this gripping episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast , host and creator Rick Bontkowski sits down with Eric LeMarque, a former professional hockey player and snowboarder who endured the unimaginable. Trapped in the frozen Sierra Nevada Mountains for eight days, Eric fought against brutal conditions, isolation, and his own inner battles in a journey that would ultimately change his life forever. Eric’s story is one of survival, redemption, and faith discovered in the face of overwhelming odds. Joi...
Nov 15, 2024•58 min•Ep. 55
Get ready for an unforgettable episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast! Join host and creator Rick Bontkowski, a right-leg amputee and passionate advocate, as he sits down with Billy Brimblecom Jr., an unstoppable force in the limb loss community. After losing his left leg to Ewing’s Sarcoma, Billy turned his story into a mission – empowering uninsured amputees to reclaim their lives through the Steps of Faith Foundation. He's also the co-creator of Thundergong!, an annual music and comedy show with ...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 54
In this inspiring episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast, host Rick Bontkowski, a right below-the-knee (RBK) amputee, sits down with Cosi Belloso, a renowned physical therapist and breast cancer survivor, with over 23 years of experience helping amputees regain their mobility and rebuild their lives. Cosi, who runs her own outpatient clinic, Palanca, Inc., is also the host of the popular Cosi Talks, where she shares expert advice on overcoming the physical and emotional challenges of limb loss. Join...
Oct 15, 2024•52 min•Ep. 53
In this powerful episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast , host and creator Rick Bontkowski , a right below-the-knee amputee, sits down with Marcy Rubic , a leader in the nonprofit world and a passionate advocate for limb preservation. With over 25 years of experience, Marcy shares the incredible work being done at the Limb Preservation Foundation , where lives are being changed and limbs are being saved. From innovative prevention programs to the personal stories of those facing limb loss, Marcy off...
Sep 30, 2024•50 min•Ep. 52
Join host and creator Rick Bontkowski , a right below-the-knee amputee, for an inspiring episode of The AMP'D UP211 Podcast —a show dedicated to empowering and uplifting the limb loss community through powerful stories of resilience and hope. Rick is passionate about breaking barriers and challenging preconceived notions about people with disabilities. In this episode titled "Forged by Faith," Rick sits down with Josh Reed , who shares his remarkable journey from tragedy to triumph. After a life...
Sep 15, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 51
Today we have an extraordinary guest who has faced unbelievable challenges and emerged stronger than ever. Penny Fisher, a former model and now an author and motivational speaker, joins us to share her harrowing yet inspiring journey of survival and resilience. Imagine being on a family vacation, enjoying the sunshine, and within days finding yourself in a coma with just a 10% chance of survival. Penny was struck by Toxic Shock Syndrome, a rare and life-threatening condition that led to multiple...
Aug 30, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 50
We are proud to present Caitlin Conner. Raised in a small town in central Texas, Caitlin’s life took a dramatic turn just before her 24th birthday. A motorcycle accident led to the amputation of her left leg while she was newly pregnant, but her resilience and determination have made her a beacon of hope and empowerment for many. Caitlin is not just a survivor; she’s a trailblazer. From participating in adaptive sports to founding the groundbreaking nonprofit Be More Adaptive, she’s on a mission...
Aug 15, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 49
We are proud to present Scott Odom, a true testament to the power of resilience and determination. At just 14 years old, Scott faced a life-altering challenge when he lost his leg to cancer. Despite this daunting obstacle, he refused to let it define his future. Instead, Scott channeled his passion for basketball into a remarkable career as a professional amputee athlete. In this episode, Scott shares his personal experiences from the moment he learned about his amputation, through his rigorous ...
Jul 30, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 48
We are proud to present the incredible journey of Samantha Katie Eddington! Their story is one of unimaginable challenges, unbreakable bonds, and relentless determination. Katie was just a child when a tragic lawnmower accident changed her life forever, resulting in the loss of her leg. But this setback didn’t define her. Instead, it fueled her passion and determination to rise above adversity. Now, Katie is not only thriving but is also aspiring to compete in the Paralympics! By her side every ...
Jul 15, 2024•57 min•Ep. 47
We are proud to introduce you to Sidney Muniz, the founder of Amputee Sock Prints. When Sidney's mother lost her leg below the knee due to diabetes complications, she faced the challenge with an inspiring spirit and determination. But the standard beige amputee socks didn't match her sunny disposition. Sidney realized that many amputees felt the same way about the dull and uninspiring options available to them. Driven by a desire to honor his mother's strength and to fill a gap in the market, Si...
Jun 30, 2024•47 min•Ep. 46
We are proud to introduce you to the remarkable Major Edward Pulido. A retired U.S. Army Major, Major Ed is a man whose courage and dedication have significantly impacted countless individuals' lives. With a military career spanning 19 years, Major Ed's journey is one of extraordinary resilience, having faced and overcome immense challenges, including a life-altering injury from an IED explosion in Iraq. Major Ed is the Founder of the John-Daly Major Ed Heart of a Lion Foundation. He is also the...
Jun 15, 2024•49 min•Ep. 45
We are proud to present Motivational Speaker and Limb Difference Advocate David Powell. David's journey embodies the resilience of the human spirit. Born without hands and with malformed legs in New Orleans, he adapted early, using his feet and an electric wheelchair. His life took a dark turn with his mother's overdose and his subsequent struggle with addiction during high school. However, David overcame these adversities and now, as a motivational speaker and married father of four, he inspire...
May 30, 2024•59 min•Ep. 44
We are proud to present Executive Director and Co-Founder of ROMP, (The Range of Motion Project), Mr David Krupa! David has facilitated the provision of custom-made prosthetic devices to over 4,500 of the Western hemisphere’s most vulnerable individuals through a delivery model emphasizing high-quality clinical care, local investment; and advocacy. An amputee and prosthetist, he believes mobility and health are critical components in an individual’s pursuit of life’s many aspirations. When not b...
May 15, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 43
We are proud to present a heart-pounding special episode of The Levitate Sport Freedom Tour, straight from the vibrant streets of Chicago! Experience the pulse of the city as we bring you candid on-site interviews, capturing the raw energy and passion of athletes and enthusiasts alike. But that's not all! Dive deeper into the action with exclusive bonus video footage, offering a front-row seat to the thrills and triumphs of the Levitate Sports community, and hold onto your seats for a can't-miss...
Apr 20, 2024•32 min•Ep. 42
We are proud to present Paralympic Athlete, Ironman, and Paratriathlon American Champion Mohamed Lahna. Born in Casablanca Morrocco, Mohamed was born with a birth defect called Proximal Femoral Focal Deficiency that effectively left him without a right femur and fibula. Mohamed embodies the saying, “It’s never too late.” He was fit with his first real prosthesis at the age of 20, rode a bike for the first time at 25, crossed the Atlas Mountains at 26, and ran his first marathon at 27. Mohamed ha...
Mar 30, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 41
We are proud to present Hugh Boyle. Hugh is a Right below amputee and the founding partner of The Consumers with Disabilities Research Foundation, North America’s first consumer research business, focused on generating data and insights from and for the vast and valuable consumers with disabilities population. They are committed to using research to improve consumer life for the disabled community. As a top executive in the advertising industry, Hugh brings a very interesting and relevant perspe...
Mar 15, 2024•58 min•Ep. 40
We are proud to present Professional Musician, Executive, and Motivational Speaker Todd Waites. After losing his complete arm and shoulder to cancer at 14 years of age followed by nearly two years of rigorous treatments, plus another surprising diagnosis of Thyroid cancer in late 2014, Todd has made the best of the cards dealt to him. People who know Todd Waites say he has already lived the life of 10 men. Ask Todd, and he says he’s just getting started! Todd inspires so many in the limb loss co...
Feb 29, 2024•59 min•Ep. 39
We are proud to present U.S. Paralympic Athlete, Rancher, and Father Kevan Hueftle. In 2005 Kevan also known as “Flea” was involved in a hunting accident that led to an amputation of his left leg below the knee. Consequently, Flea struggled with alcoholism due to the tragic loss of his limb and the constant pain he suffered as an amputee. Through perseverance and grit, Flea decided to defy the odds and would eventually compete on the US Track and Field teams and medal as an elite Paralympic Athl...
Feb 15, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 38
